Joe’s story

I came to Options 4 years ago from a hospital placement, having been previously sectioned. There were lots of issues surrounding my support.  Initially I was supported for 15 hours per day with a sleep-in.

A Person Centred Plan, and Guidelines for Support were developed by Options and my staff team supported me to build my confidence, and learn to manage difficulties that arose.  I got a job and a girlfriend and regularly travel to see her on my own in Bury. I now receive 5 hours of support a day from Options and enjoy the independence. In the future I want to live on my own and would like to have a flat.

Options are supporting me to make sure this happens by implementing an action plan for this to be completed in the next six months. After that they will provide telephone support only.

With Assistive Technology I will be able to live independently. I will use an automatic crisis pendant (in case of a fall it automatically calls Options on-call service) and with having diabetes, will have my blood sugar level monitored via the internet.

(Pseudonym used)